The Birth of KHATTS Part One
Over four decades ago, on an October afternoon, I arrived on the shores of Dominica, a lush and unspoiled gem cradled and guarded by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
My coming to Dominica was more serendipitous than planned, I married a remarkable Dominican woman I met while she was studying in Jamaica, this love story brought me to Dominica not as a visitor or an intended immigrant but as her husband.
I could not then envisage the beginning of a life brimming with promises, challenges and unknown adventures.
I clearly recall stepping off the small Liat Aircraft at the Canefield Airport, I looked eastward towards the lofty green clad mountains, and my love affair with Dominica began, unknowingly a new chapter in my life was eagerly waiting to be written.
In those early days, people knew me as “Richie’s mother’s husband,” which I wore as a badge of honor, embracing my role in our blended family.
Richie, my wife’s son, gave me the opportunity to find my place in their lives, and within the communities of Madrelle and Loubiere.
My Dominican experience took a significant turn when I met Albert Astaphan, who would become not only my mentor but also a dear friend.
Albert, the husband of my wife’s daughter Connie, introduced me to many of the wonders of Dominica.
His knowledge and enthusiasm were contagious, opening my eyes to the extraordinary richness of the island’s landscapes and heritage.
Inspired by our connection, Albert started Wilderness Adventure Tours, a company dedicated to exploring the untamed beauty of Dominica.
I worked alongside Albert for several years, guiding tours and gaining firsthand experience in crafting unforgettable adventures, this period was transformative, inadvertently planting the seeds of what would later become my own venture.
After my time with Wilderness Adventure Tours, I took on a new role marketing educational materials such as encyclopedias and other scholastic books.
It was a fulfilling chapter of my life, allowing me to contribute to the spread of knowledge and learning across the region, yet my heart remained firmly rooted in Dominica’s environment and natural allure.
This passion deepened further when I met Polly Pattullo, a British journalist with an undeniable love for Dominica.
Polly’s dedication to the island motivated her to start Travelers Tree, a nature-driven tour company committed to showcasing the ecological treasures of Dominica.
Recognizing my own connection to the environment, Polly invited me to design a two-week program focusing on botany and natural history.
This opportunity was pivotal; it reignited my desire to explore and share Dominica’s wonders and laid the foundation for what would become KHATTS: Ken’s Hinterland Adventure Tours and Transfer Service.
A humorous spin for this is, many people were not familiar with the word hinterland and thought it was my name, I would many times be addressed as Mr. Hinterland, sometimes I got official correspondences addressing me as “Dear Mr. Hinterland”.
With KHATTS, I set out to create something unique, experiences that immersed people in the essence of Dominica’s lush rainforests, its rich biodiversity, and the stories hidden in its landscapes, to me the rainforest is one of the most advanced and dynamic ecosystems on the planet.
KHATTS became a symbol of adventure and discovery, offering rainforest hikes and botanical expeditions.
When Travelers Tree linked up with the International Dendrology Society, I had to rapidly increase my knowledge of plant species and their uses.
A tree was no longer just a tree, I had to learn about its family genus, species, toxicity or medicinal properties.
This required considerable dedication, study and research, for me to be able to tell my clients things like “this is Catharanthus Roseus, commonly known as the Madagascar Periwinkle, it contains Vinblastine and Vincristine, which are used in the treatment of leukemia and diabetes”.
By the time Travelers Tree ceased operating due to internal differences among its partners, KHATTS had already established itself as a prominent and respected tour company.
My tours captured the hearts of adventurers, environmentalists, and academics alike, offering unforgettable experiences in rainforest exploration, botanical wonders, and natural history.
KHATTS’ success enabled me to form meaningful partnerships with prestigious institutions such as Texas A&M, Clemson University, Texas Tech, Syracuse University, Arcadia University, the University of Toronto, Operation Wallacea, Class Afloat and others.
These alliances brought students and researchers to Dominica, creating educational opportunities that enriched not only my guests but also the island itself.
Locally, KHATTS thrived through strong relationships with key partners the most impactful collaborations were with the Perryman family, Derek, Ginette, Daniel, and Arienne of Dive Dominica.
Their expertise in marine exploration complemented my tours perfectly, adding a new dimension to the adventure experience.
I also built close ties and a long-lasting relationship with the Nassief family, Phillip, Yvor, Gregor, Maroussa and Karl, whose enterprises, include The Fort Young Hotel, Beacon Insurance, Belfast Estates, Dominica Coconut Products, and Autotrade, exemplifying Dominica’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit.
These partnerships enriched KHATTS and allowed me to contribute to the local community in meaningful ways.
Dominica embraced me with open arms, offering me solace in its emerald, green rainforests, dramatic volcanic peaks, and rivers that seemed to carry stories of old.
I joyfully immersed myself in the island’s heartbeat, the vibrant Creole culture, the hum of calypso and bouyon music, and the warmth of the people who quickly became like family.
My love for Dominica’s environment has taken on another dimension when I embraced beekeeping.
The vital role bees play in maintaining ecosystems captured my imagination, and I felt compelled to contribute to their care and preservation.
Beekeeping became a labor of love, deepening my connection to nature and reinforcing my commitment to sustainability.
Through KHATTS, I strive to transform my love for Dominica’s natural wonders into unforgettable experiences for visitors and locals alike.
Through KHATTS I always endeavour to open gateways to Dominica’s untouched beauty, with a focus on sustainability and the preservation of the island’s pristine environment.
KHATTS: Ken’s Hinterland Adventure Tours and Transfer Service has flourished not only because of passion and perseverance but also due to the unwavering support, partnerships, and contributions of a remarkable network of individuals and institutions.
These relationships have been the cornerstone of our growth and enduring legacy.
It is with deep gratitude and appreciation that I pay tribute to these invaluable supporters.
To Clement James, Lambert Charles, Sonia Lander, Karen James, Martin Lander, Shane Reid, Jeffery Asiedu, Kurt Jeremy, Paula St. Ville, Sandra Belle-Larocque, Josian George, Cynthia Dorsette, Melinda Cuffy, Viviana Alfred, Garry Shillingford, Ron Mellow, Garth Clarke, Francis Phillip, Eddie Linton, Hillsbert Felix, Richard Alexander, Jefferson Registe, Saxon Laurent, James Alexander, Terry Henry-Lovell, Holly Cooles-Javidan, Sylvester Alcendor, Michael Eugene, Ivor Joseph, Nicholas Johnson, Mally’s Taxi Service, and The Government of Dominica.
Your dedication, collaboration, and encouragement have been instrumental to KHATTS’ success.
Whether in the field, technical support or behind the scenes, your contributions have left an indelible mark on our journey.
To Professor Thomas Brinker, Dr. Tom Lacher, Dr Wayne Mora, Dr Jim Woolley, Dr Jennifer Ogle, Mark Taylor, John Faithful and Kirsten Boucard, Operation Wallacea, Class Afloat, Susan Bird, your academic and professional guidance brought unmatched depth and credibility to our programs.
Your belief in KHATTS has opened doors to knowledge-sharing and education that continues to inspire me.
To Polly Pattullo, whose passion for Dominica motivated me and helped lay the foundation for KHATTS, to Dr. Lennox Honychurch, Arlington James, Anne and Cuthbert Jno Baptiste, Stephen Durand, Dr Colmore Christian, Bertrand Jno Baptiste, Marie Jose Edwards, Colin Piper, Steve Johnson, Robert Ulrich, Norma Rolle, Oliver Seraphin, thank you for your wealth of knowledge and cultural insights, thank you for shaping the way we celebrate Dominica’s natural history and heritage.
To David Williams, Aimee La Ronde, Kent Auguiste, Ali Auguiste, Javani Auguiste, Rose Burton, Prosper Paris, Gwenneth Frederick, the late Jules Francis, Clem Johnson, Cobra Tours, Sam frank, and especially Albert Astaphan, you’ve been steadfast partners and collaborators, ensuring every endeavor was executed with care and brilliance.
To Erica Sherping, Gisla Cecil and the Perryman family, Derek, Ginette, Daniel, and Arienne, of Dive Dominica, your support and shared love for the environment have enriched our tours and elevated what we offer to visitors.
To Benoit Bardouille and the security team of DASPA, thank you for your years of support and cooperation.
To the Reservations department, Concierge Service and Front Desk Staff of the Fort Young Hotel, thank you for your indefatigable support.
To the Nassief family, Phillip, Yvor, Gregor, Maroussia, and Karl, you have been pillars of support through ventures such as the Fort Young Hotel, Beacon Insurance, Belfast Estates, Dominica Coconut Products, and Autotrade, your partnership has been invaluable to KHATTS’ local recognition and success.
To DEPEX, Ked Younis, Vincent Younis, James Alexander, The late Daniel Didier, and the Armour family, Janice, Carla, Yvonne, David, and Andrew, as service providers, your contributions have been a pillar of support to KHATTS over the years, fostering a spirit of collaboration and friendship that I deeply cherish.
To Jerry Beaty, Dr. Bob Werner, Dr Wayne Mora, Dionne Francis, Dawn Francis, Royette Christopher, Shannica Mitchell, Mara Laronde.
I pay tribute to institutions such as Caribtours, Virgin Holidays, Back Roads, Stepps, Wilderness Explorers of Guyana, Wildlife Expeditions of Grenada, Maduro Tours of the Netherlands, the United States Embassy of Barbados, your enthusiasm and belief in KHATTS have expanded our reach and recognition across the globe.
The Universities of Texas A&M, Clemson, Texas Tech, Arcadia, Toronto, State University of Syracuse, The University of Miami
KHATTS could never have achieved its recognition and success without the community of individuals and institutions who supported its vision.
Each of you has played an essential role in making KHATTS not only a trusted tour company but a legacy of adventure, education, and environmental stewardship in Dominica.
This tribute is a heartfelt acknowledgment of your enduring impact.
There are many institutions and individuals whose names I may not have mentioned, please know that your contributions to KHATTS are no less appreciated.
Whether through your direct involvement, your unwavering support, or the opportunities you’ve provided, each one of you has played a vital role in shaping the company’s recognition and success.
KHATTS stands today as a testament to the collective efforts of all who believed in its vision.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Kenneth George Dill